The time had finally arrived for Alyson to walk the aisle and say “I do” to her fiancé Matt. Alyson couldn’t have been more excited, but before taking that walk, she had to get ready! Her beautiful dress and very cool shoes were ready and hanging in her Oak Park home.
Alyson and one of her bridesmaids did one last check to make sure the dress was perfect.
Alyson had plenty of people on stand-by, ready to help if needed but enjoying watching everyone get ready.
Alyson slipped into the dress…
…and strapped on her wedding-day shoes.
Gorgeous! She was ready for her first meeting with Matt.
Speaking of Matt, here he is with his groomsmen while they’re walking to the first meeting.
The first meeting was planned to take place on the front porch of Matt and Alyson’s home. Alyson was on the lookout for her groom!
Matt’s dad was clicking away alongside me as Matt took his place at the foot of the front porch steps.
Beautiful!
Then we loaded up the limo to cruise around and take pre-ceremony pictures with the bridal party.
Things got started with a champagne toast.
Matt and Alyson couldn’t stop snuggling as we arrived at our first stop…
…Montrose beach, with it’s wonderful view of the Chicago skyline.
There’s no way I can do a photoshoot at Montrose Harbor and not take pictures in front of the beautiful mosaic work that’s under Lake Shore Drive.
Matt gets a peck on the cheek before we load back up into the limo…
…and cruise up Montrose Ave. for a treat at Margie’s Candies.
Not that anybody needed a sugar fix. The group energy was already high enough!
Alyson, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
Better keep things moving!
Just outside of Margie’s is a CTA brown line stop.
This used to be the neighborhood I lived in, so I knew of some great photo locations under the tracks.
And best of all, it was just a short walk from this location…
…to Architectural Artifacts where they were holding their ceremony and reception.
We had a few minutes before the ceremony and made good use of the time by shooting around the venue.
The wedding party posed for another group shot above the ceremony site…
…and Matt and Alyson shared one last moment together before the wedding.
Alyson made her way into the atrium when the music cued up.
Matt kept his eyes on her the whole time.
Alyson’s parents were waiting to escort her down the aisle.
Dad gave Alyson a big hug before taking his seat.
Alyson took her place next to Matt and the ceremony began.
Matt’s parents were in the front row. They couldn’t have been more proud of their son.
A friend of the couple presided over the ceremony.
Vows were made and rings exchanged…
…and they sealed the deal with a kiss.
Congratulations!!!
Hugs for everyone!
One last step to make it official… signing the license.
With the paperwork out of the way…
…it was time to celebrate! The guests enjoyed cocktails and food prepared by Food Evolution.
When dinner was nearly finished, Alyson’s father took to the microphone to thank the guests for spending the day with his family.
Matt’s best man was up next with his toast in honor of the newlyweds.
And Alyson’s friend offered her congratulations with her speech.
Finally, the newlyweds thanked all their guests for their love and support…
…and took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple.
Alyson’s dad was up next as he and the bride shared a father-daughter dance.
The guests made their way to the dance floor as DJ Chris Vittorio from Spin Events warmed up the DJ booth.
The guests were having a great time dancing…
…and I was having a great time sneaking up on people for pictures.
The party was in full swing…
…and things got really crazy when DJ Chris played ‘Gangham Style’.
She had had just about enough of my camera… maybe it was my cue to leave.
I had a great time at your wedding, Alyson and Matt. Thank-you for sharing it with me and congratulations on your marriage!